Surgery - Cardiovascular Physician Assistant

Company: UC Davis Health
Location: Sacramento
Posted on: June 15, 2026

Job Description:

This position reports directly to the Heart Center Advanced Practice Nurse Manager. As a member of the Cardiothoracic Surgery team, the Senior Physician Assistant (PA) is an expert in the perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures and participates in the medical management of this population across the spectrum of care. The Senior PA will act as first, second, or third assistant in cardiac and/or thoracic
surgeries under the supervision of an approved supervising physician. The incumbent will provide care and guidance to inpatients and will attend outpatient clinics. The Senior PA will perform and train others in endoscopic vein harvesting procedures, placing drains, placing catheters, closing major and minor incisions, recording post-op orders and progress notes and assisting in the transport and care of patients from the operating room to the
recovery room or intensive care unit. The Senior PA will give guidance and direction to team members for daily work assignments and act as a resource for physicians, PAs, house staff and nursing staff. Additional responsibilities include research and program development, professional practice development, training and education, maintaining
statistical database, participating in continuous quality improvement (CQI), tracking mortality and morbidity and providing reports for physicians and assisting in equipment procurement as necessary.

Apply By Date: 1/20/26 at 11:59 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• California Licensed Physicians Assistant (PA)
• Valid Physician Assistant license to practice under the Physician Assistant Act in the state of California.
• National certification (NCCAP) as a Physician Assistant
• Eligible for hospital credentialing.
• Controlled Substances Education Course certificate of successful completion.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
• American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) or UC Davis Health CPR
• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• 3 years experience as first assist in cardiac surgery with endoscopic vein harvesting
• Endoscopic vein harvesting experience required
• Demonstrated competency at an advance practice level with ability to meet role specific Senior PA Performance Standards.
• Demonstrated ability for positive interaction with medical/nursing staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Advanced knowledge of medical billing procedures and policies and ability to document medical records appropriately.
• Skills to perform CPR and respond to emergencies using ACLS & PALS protocols as needed.
• Ability to assist in operations, performing tasks under direct supervision of the attending surgeon.
• Ability to use medical terminology in the evaluation of conditions in order to obtain an accurate history and perform an appropriate physical exam.
• In-depth knowledge of UCDMC processes, policies and procedures.
• Organizational skills to work on several projects simultaneously and to effectively respond to crises using strategic thinking and planning skills. Ability to multi-task, work accurately and quickly under pressure, handle large workloads, set priorities and organize work independently and for others. Demonstrate consistent level of high performance and ability to positively influence change.
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality.
• Ability to cope with stress in dealing with patients, caretakers, team members, and other professionals.
• Ability to interpret the significance of laboratory and radiological tests.
• Ability to gather data, possession of computer skills, knowledge of research methods.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must write legibly.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English language, and utilize medical terminology appropriately.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment. Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients.
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist in moving patients. Must see well enough to read gauges and identify injuries.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and must be able to wear radiation safety apparel for extended periods of time when performing duties within the radiation environment.
• Knowledge of information systems.
• Knowledge of clinical quality improvement processes and ability to engage and direct the performance improvement process.
• Able to understand complex instructions and process complex information and data sets.
• Verbal communication skills adequate to relay appropriate information to various levels internally and externally.
• Analytical skills to effectively research and participate in the decision-making process regarding clinical issues.
• Tact and diplomacy skills to interact with a broad spectrum of employees, resource people, and administrators.
• Ability to provide after hours on-call coverage including in-house night call, weekend and holiday call.
• Ability to teach a variety of subjects relevant to clinical practice.
• Knowledge and ability to evaluate the educational needs of clinicians, to implement appropriate education theories/concepts and methods, to develop and administer training programs, and to evaluate educational outcomes. Solid problem-solving and decision-making skills and proven ability to set aggressive goals and timelines and meet them.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery and successful completion of the Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Specialty Exam preferred.
• 5 years first assist in cardiac surgery with endoscopic vein harvesting

Key Responsibilities

• 75% - Clinical Practice - Under Delineation of Practice
• 10% - Communication and Collaboration
• 10% - Leadership/Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
• 5% - Professional Development/Education

Department Overview

The Heart and Vascular Center (HVC) at UC Davis serves the Cardiac and Vascular patient population of Northern California and the surrounding areas. Care is provided for both the inpatient and outpatient population. Further, the HVC provides both invasive interventional care as well as non-invasive diagnostic care.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $86.52-$116.46
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 137
• UC Job Title: PHYSCN AST SR
• UC Job Code: 009202
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Day shift with night and weekend call
• Location: North Addition Office Building (HSP002) Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not an H-1B visa opportunity

Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis Health offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting our handy Benefits Summary and our Benefits Page

• If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract.
• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Paid time off for professional development as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours . click apply for full job details

Keywords: UC Davis Health, Livermore , Surgery - Cardiovascular Physician Assistant, Healthcare , Sacramento, California

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